Home oxygen fires remain a global public health issue despite patient education, our new video: Effecting Change: Safer Home Oxygen Delivery explains.
Building on data collated in our latest study report, the video examines the prevalence and impact of home oxygen fires across the globe, and the measures that can be taken to reduce the risks.
In the US alone, it is estimated that between 100 and 150 patients die every year from fires involving home oxygen – almost double previous estimates. This is largely due to the high proportion of patients who fail to stop smoking. In fact, it is estimated that – despite warnings and education – up to 50 percent of home oxygen users continue to smoke, equating to at least 450,000 home oxygen users in the States.
The video contains footage from new experiments demonstrating how a lit end of a cigarette can result in a flash fire, putting lives at risk and increasing the chances of property damage. It also explains the effect of different oxygen concentrations on the speed and intensity of ignition.
There are, however, measures that can be taken to limit injuries and prevent patient deaths. The video provides an international comparison of home oxygen risk, delivering a stark contrast between the US death rate from home oxygen fires to figures from England.
It explains the measures that have contributed to the UK’s success, including collaboration between stakeholders as well as the mandatory fitting of working smoke alarms and, notably, oxygen firebreaks (thermal fuses).
Click here to watch.
